TechConnect cooperation project: expansion of German-Indian university partnership underway
With the new TechConnect project, the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) is strengthening its long-standing partnership with the renowned RV College of Engineering (RVCE) in Bangalore, India. Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the partners are establishing new structures for international higher education management at the RVCE, launching a German-Indian STEM research network and expanding existing alumni activities.
"This allows THWS to further consolidate its presence in 'India's Silicon Valley', which has established itself as one of the largest technology and start-up hubs in the Asia-Pacific region," says Manuel Glattbach, project coordinator and head of the International University Cooperation department at THWS.
Success for more than a decade: building on a proven partnership
THWS and RVCE are linked by a deep-rooted strategic partnership that has been in place since 2014. At the heart of the collaboration is a one-year preparatory programme in India, which equips young talents with the academic and language skills needed for the English-taught TWIN bachelor's degree programmes – i.e. bilingual degree programmes with identical content – in Lower Franconia. A model that is bearing fruit and growing steadily: last year, more than 25 percent of THWS' students were internationals, with India being one of the most strongly represented countries of origin. Beyond the proven collaboration in teaching, the partnership is now being systematically expanded through TechConnect to include applied research and modernised, industry-oriented alumni engagement.
"With TechConnect, we are further expanding our cooperation with an Indian hub of innovation, thereby positioning ourselves for the future," explains Professor Dr. Achim Förster, THWS Vice President for Internationalisation and Teaching. "The project creates the deep-rooted structures needed to collaborate closely in applied research in the future and to build a lasting bridge for the transfer of knowledge and technology."
Key pillars for sustainable structural development
Through an integrated approach, TechConnect closely links international higher education management with applied research and alumni management to build sustainable structures and capabilities on both the German and Indian sides. The concept is structured around three key pillars:
- Capacity building in university internationalisation: Through a co-creative process, the establishment of a dedicated International Office (IO) directly at the RVCE in Bangalore is being initiated to further enhance the professionalisation of cooperation coordination.
- Establishment of a German-Indian research network: A network for applied research will be launched, bringing together researchers from both higher education institutions through matchmaking events and a research conference to promote collaboration in fields relevant to the future.
- Further development of the THWS Alumni Board India: The existing THWS alumni network in India will be expanded to include a platform for the exchange of knowledge amongst alumni in the fields of sustainability and climate protection, and is also intended to actively involve industry partners, such as Hitachi Energy.
"With TechConnect, we are taking our strategic partnership with RVCE to a new level and developing the collaboration in a holistic manner," emphasises Manuel Glattbach. "For us, this project is far more than a one-off initiative – it acts as a supporting catalyst for our major international projects such as THWS.Global and builds perfectly on the successes of earlier projects such as THWS World TWIN."
A strategic ecosystem for the Main-Franconian region
Designed as a strategic ecosystem, TechConnect closely links the regional economic needs of Main-Franconia in Germany with one of the most dynamic innovation hubs in India. By strengthening mutual STEM research and optimising the structural framework for international talent, the programme makes a measurable contribution to securing top talent for the Main-Franconian economy in the long term. It also connects the region directly with world-class research. The project builds on a strong network comprising local partner companies in Lower Franconia, the Bavarian-Indian Centre and the Bavarian representative office on site.
About THWS
The Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Bavaria and has driven teaching and applied research since it was founded in 1971. With about 9,200 students, a diverse range of more than 60 degree programmes and two graduate schools, THWS covers a broad spectrum from technology, economics and social sciences to languages and design. THWS is not only rooted in the region, but also has a strong international focus, which is reflected in numerous collaborations and exchange programmes worldwide and also in diverse English-taught degree programmes.
Contact:
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
TechConnect project coordination
Manuel Glattbach
Münzstraße 12
97070 Würzburg
Press contact:
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Angela Kreipl
Münzstr. 12
97070 Würzburg
+49 931 3511-8354